Ketogenic Diet Can be used to Control Seizures

A high-fat, low-carbohydrate diet called ‘ketogenic diet’ could be used to control seizures in epilepsy patients. According to a latest study, there is a direct link between metabolism in brain cells and their ability to transmit signals.

The research by scientists at McGill University and the University of Zurich shows that metabolism can control “the processes that inhibits brain activity” seen in people with epilepsy. The study team wanted to know why putting children with epilepsy on high-fat and low-carb diet is effective in controlling seizures.

Other researchers had previously assumed that metabolism and signalling in brain cells are un-related processes. However, the current study shows that both the pathways are connected.

The ketogenic diet lost its popularity post-1950s after anticonvulsant drugs hit the market. But, these drugs carry many side-effects and also don’t work in about 20 percent of the patients. The current study might offer a different approach on controlling the condition.